Guy Backs Recovery Budget
Otaki MP Nathan Guy says the 2009 Budget has laid out a ‘road for recovery’ for the Otaki electorate.
Mr Guy says key points in the Budget benefiting the region include $3 billion for roading, and initiatives to improve broadband coverage and insulate homes.
“As the Otaki electorate is smack in the middle of the ‘Wellington to Levin’ road of national significance we will benefit from a good chunk of funding which is great news for stimulating our local economy.
“Roading is our biggest issue and unclogging the bottlenecks like the Otaki roundabout has to be a priority.”
Mr Guy says Budget 2009 was always going to be difficult, with the toughest economic times since 1930 and little economic growth over the past 18 months.
“I think the Budget is responsible and recognises the National Government is aware of containing debt levels. This was confirmed as New Zealand’s credit rating was upgraded to AA+ after the Budget was delivered. This will keep interest rates lower for longer and help cushion us from the sharpest edges of the recession.”
He says grants of about $1800 are available to local people to insulate homes built prior to 2000. “This will help improve people’s health as well as providing energy efficiency gains.
“Pensioners living in Kapiti and Horowhenua will be pleased to know we have locked in all entitlements as promised, like supporting superannuation entitlements at 66% of the net average wage, Working for Families and other benefits.
“People on fixed incomes need some certainty in these troubled times.”
Mr Guy says he intends to lobby Police Minister Hon Judith Collins for more Police (the Budget announced an extra 600 frontline Police) when she visits the Otaki electorate next month.
“We need a strong police presence in our communities to help reduce crime.”
“I am confident our Budget has struck it right in developing a framework for recovery from this recession by announcing initiatives to create jobs, stimulate the local economy and protect the most vulnerable in our community.”